Christmas was canceled for the Dream Center’s guests. Los Angeles County had shut the facility down because of COVID. Told them they couldn’t pass out hams or give away bikes. 

The Dream Center is a resource center that helps those in greatest need in Los Angeles. The Center, located in an old hospital, houses 700 people who would otherwise be homeless. They also daily give away food to 3,500 poor people in their community. But one of the best times is had during their Christmas present and food giveaway. 

‘It’s Not Our Choice’

All of that came to a screeching halt earlier this month with the county’s decision. Pastor Matthew Barnett, CEO and Co-founder of the Dream Center, told The Stream that he wrote an email response to the county. “I’m like, look, we will comply with whatever you say, but I’m just going to have to tell the people that … Christmas is canceled. But it’s not our choice. It was your decision to do it. And I’m not going to own it if I didn’t cancel it myself.” Without the Christmas event, many people wouldn’t get any presents or food. So, Pastor Matthew filmed a video explaining how Christmas 2020 got canceled. “It got 315,000 views, shockingly, to my surprise.”

But those who would be affected didn’t go away quietly. They contacted the county and told them the event was essential. “It just kind of struck a chord with people and they rose to defend the cause of the one thing left in the neighborhood that’s giving back to them.” Eight hours after he posted his video, the county changed its mind. “They came back … and said, ‘We want you to have your event, we want to work with you, partner and help you go forward.'”

Some Amazing Things for Christmas

It’s going to go forward, although not like last year’s event. Rather than walk-up crowds, an ice skating rink or snowball fights, the Dream Center will be putting on a drive-through event featuring Christmas lights and sets people can look at. Instead of personally handing out the gifts, they will be placing them in the trunk of cars. “But they’re still going to get some amazing things for Christmas.”

The Dream Center, at 2301 Bellevue Avenue in Los Angeles, is expecting around 4,500 cars to show up for the three-night event this weekend, December 18-20. They’ll be handing out 18,000 presents, including 500 new bikes.

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Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.